CONCORD, N.C. - One of the most heart-pounding, action-packed, edge-of-your-seat
experiences in all of motorsports returns this weekend to the "Bellagio of dragstrips," as zMAX
Dragway hosts a 40,000-horsepower thrill show during the ninth annual NGK Spark Plugs NHRA
Four-Wide Nationals.

This weekend's Earth-shaking drag races kick off a huge month of tourism-related economic impact
for the region as the first of four global events, including Carolina Rebellion and back-to-back
NASCAR race weekends highlighted by the May 19th Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race and the 59th
running of the Coca-Cola 600 on May 27. Through the years, these events, as well as countless
supporting activities like the Circle K Speed Street presented by Coca-Cola, team fan festivals and
others have firmly established Charlotte Motor Speedway as America's Home for Racing.

This weekend, however, is all about straight-line racing, as fans from all 50 states and 11 foreign
countries witness one of the biggest spectacles in the sport, the excitement of four
10,000-horsepower nitro-burning machines powering down the dragstrip and providing a sensory
overload that can't be matched.

Torrence captured his first victory at zMAX Dragway last season, and the Top Fuel star finished his
banner campaign with eight wins. He already has a win in 2018 as he hunts his first world title.
Brittany Force, the 2016 race winner, captured her first world title last season and is after her
first victory this season.

Longtime Funny Car standout Capps picked up his first victory in the four-wide scenario last year,
one of eight wins in 2017 for the 2016 world champion.

McGaha already has a victory in 2018 in Pro Stock, heading to Charlotte with plenty of early-season
momentum. The defending NGK Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals winner will look to make it two
straight in the class, facing off with the likes of defending world champion and points leader Bo
Butner, and local favorites Tanner Gray, Greg Anderson and Jason Line.

LE Tonglet won the first of six races during his standout 2017 season in Pro Stock Motorcycle,
picking up his second career win at zMAX Dragway. He'll be one of many trying to track down
defending champion Eddie Krawiec, who won the first event of the year in Gainesville. Others
expected to be in the mix include six-time Charlotte winner Andrew Hines and two-time world champ
Matt Smith, who won the first four-wide event in 2010.

As always, fans will have the opportunity to interact with their favorite drivers as they're
granted an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the
planet. This unique opportunity in motorsports gives fans direct access to the teams, allowing them
to see firsthand the highly-skilled mechanics service their hot rods between rounds, and get
autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers.

Fans also will want to visit NHRA's popular Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors
and race vendors create a carnival atmosphere, with interactive displays, simulated competitions,
merchandise, food and fun for the entire family.

Sunday ticket holders are encouraged to arrive early to take part in the track walk as drivers and
other motorsports personalities walk the lanes just minutes before opening ceremonies and driver
introductions.

Mello Yello Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 4 and 6:30 p.m. on Friday and
two rounds of qualifying on Saturday at 2 and 4 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 12 p.m.
on Sunday.

Tickets for children 13 and under are free with any paid adult ticket. To purchase seats for the
NGK Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, call (800) 455-FANS (3267) or visit
www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.

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